Marking National Minorities’ Day: Christians and Hindus pay homage to the victims of the Quetta carnage

On the occasion of National Minorities’ Day which is observed on 11 August, Christians and Hindus of District Jamshoro, jointly paid homage to the victim of the Quetta hospital suicide blast. Leaders from Christians and Hindu communities also voiced concerns of the religious minorities.

During this assemblage, representatives from Christian and Hindu communities voiced their concerns about the rights violations. They highlighted their communities’ issues while at the same time beseeched the authorities to take efficacious steps in order to ensure equal rights for the religious minorities.

While addressing the assembly the speakers also made mention of the August 11, 1947 speech of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In his speech, Quaid-e-Azam had said that all Pakistanis including Non-Muslims will have right to practice their religion without restrictions.

They said that according to the stance of Quaid-e-Azam; all Pakistanis are free to go to Churches, Mosques, Temples and every worship place of their faith. “This day urges us to promote and protect rights of minorities and also to do advocacy for equal rights and a pluralistic Pakistan.” They offered prayers for peace and harmony in the country, they prayed that justice may prevail in their adored homeland.

The participants of the assemblage included Advocate Sooba Bhatti, Christian Leader Javed Shana , Iqbal Ghuri , Slamat Masih, Dr. Joseph, Hindu Leader Manoo Bheel, Rufin Bhatti and many others. While addressing the participants Pastor Javed and Pastor Nadeem urged the higher authorities to protect the religious minorities. They said that non-Muslim Pakistanis should be handed over give equal rights- which is their constitutional right.